COAI action on spectrum unwarranted: Ambani

Published: Monday, November 5, 2007, 20:13 [IST]

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Mumbai, Nov 5: Reliance Communications Chairman Anil Ambani, while describing the Cellular Operators Association of India's move against the new spectrum policy as ''unwarranted, unnecessary and misguided'', has said the bid by GSM players to prevent CDMA players to come into GSM space would curb competition.

''The Cellular Operators Association of India action is not representative of the Indian mobile industry,'' Mr Ambani said while speaking to reporters here today.

While pointing out that there are eight to nine players who operate on the mobility platform, he said initially five companies took the matter to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

''I believe two of them have already withdrawn from the case and only three are left in this matter. So, clearly we have disassociated, being a member of COAI and a GSM operator in eight circles.'' ''When you look at the propaganda by COAI, the reality is something that they do not want to recognise. The reality is that the licenses are technology neutral, they were upheld by TRAI and recommended to the DoT,'' he said.

''We were issued permission to operate on both the platforms and we have paid a fee of more than Rs 1,650 crore. Our spectrum eligibility date, which has been misrepresented by certain parties, is October 19,'' Mr Ambani said.

On the future course of action, Mr Ambani said, ''we respect the judiciary. The entire approach of two-three players left in this petition, is to ensure that there is no new competition in the GSM space and stall any further stronger players from coming into this business.'' ''If you look at what some of these players have done and practiced in the last three-six months, it is a visible sign of price fixation. They keep increasing their tariff and changing their service cost parameters. I think this is anti-consumer.''